By Haru Dukanac
Eastchester High School
Isabella Davis has always been adept at socializing, which she believes defines her and is a critical attribute of becoming successful as the journalist she someday wants to be.
Isabella (Izzy), a rising junior at Sacred Heart Academy, describes Freeport, where she resides, as “a small, close-knit Catholic community” where she attended Catholic schools. “My faith has always played a huge part in my upbringing and has shaped the way I live and my perspective on life!”, she said.
Isabella believes that a part of her faith is growing to appreciate and respect other people, which fueled her interest in learning about other people’s religions, backgrounds and cultures. These interests are reflected by the activities that she does inside and outside of school. Isabella is the secretary of her school’s Spanish Club, goes to Mandarin school on Sundays and regularly teaches at St. Aidan’s Parish, a religious school in Williston Park, after school.
An especially eye-opening exposure to other cultures was going to the Galapagos Islands in Ecuador for community service in February. There, she painted a K-12 school and had the opportunity to communicate with children in Spanish and English, being bilingual. She listened to different stories and how children there lived. “I gained a new perspective on what life and education is like for youth across the equator,” she explained.
Isabella’s positive attitude is attested to by her friend, Violet Dindyal, who participated with her on the school track team. “Izzy works so hard in track and always encouraged us to do our best,” Violet said. “She brings everyone together in our group, so we all feel included and supported.”
Isabella’s been surrounded by people who are more into math and science while she leans towards humanities and English. She signed up for the Robert W. Greene Summer Institute for High School Journalists this summer because she wants to meet people with her similar interests, particularly writing, and polish her skills. “It’s very rare to find someone with as many similar interests as you,” she concluded.